The formula
A missed call doesn't cost zero — it costs the expected value of that call. The math:
missed calls/month × close rate × average job value = lost revenue/month
Roughly 62% of unanswered business calls never call back (BIA/Kelsey). They call the next result on Google. So every missed ring is a lead handed to a competitor.
Cost by industry (monthly)
| Industry | Avg job | Close rate | Missed/mo | Lost/mo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home services (HVAC, plumbing, electrical) | $450 | 35% | 12 | $1,890 |
| Dental & medical practices | $280 | 45% | 8 | $1,008 |
| Law firms (intake) | $2,800 | 20% | 5 | $2,800 |
| Agencies & consultants | $3,500 | 15% | 4 | $2,100 |
| Auto repair shops | $380 | 40% | 10 | $1,520 |
Where the missed calls actually come from
- After hours. 40–60% of inbound calls hit voicemail at night and on weekends.
- Mid-job. Crews on-site can't pick up the next inbound lead.
- Lunch & shift change. 12–2pm is a black hole for most service businesses.
- Holiday season. Volume doubles, staff capacity doesn't.
The fix
Hiring a full-time receptionist costs $35–60k/year. A virtual answering service runs $300–$1,500/month and still has gaps. An AI receptionist answers every call 24/7 for a flat monthly fee — typically a tenth of the lost revenue it recovers.
If you want the side-by-side, see our AI receptionist vs virtual answering service comparison.
Stop bleeding revenue on missed calls.
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